The Transit Services Division of the City of Colorado Springs, administrator of Mountain Metropolitan Transit (MMT), and Mayor Bach’s Transit Solutions Team announce a test project utilizing smaller buses. The project will replace the standard, 36- or 39-seat buses with smaller 20-seat buses on several routes within the system.

“Our goal is to achieve both optimal customer service and outstanding efficiency within the transit system,” commented Robert Shonkwiler, Transit Solutions Team leader, “transit may be able to provide the same high level of service using smaller, more cost effective vehicles.”

Smaller buses will be interspersed on routes 15, 16, 22 and 24 later this month. The test is expected to conclude in mid February. Riders are encouraged to comment on their experience with the smaller buses by calling 385-RIDE (7433) or emailing transitinfo@springsgov.com.

“We already use a smaller 19-seat bus on route 31, our lowest volume route, which services the City of Fountain. This test will determine if we can use smaller buses on our medium-volume routes. Although most of the operational expenses come from contracted driver costs, there can be a savings on fuel costs,” said Craig Blewitt, transit services division manager.

Mayor Bach announced the Transit Solutions Team on December 7, 2011. The team is charged with rethinking our transit system to achieve optimum customer service efficiently. The team members will look at ideas such as creating a transit zone within the City and the feasibility of using smaller buses, van pools, cab vouchers and other options. The team is comprised of community leaders, City officials and Mountain Metropolitan Transit staff including:

Mountain Metropolitan Transit provides local fixed-route bus service, express bus service, and Metro Mobility ADA paratransit service for Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region. All buses are wheelchair-lift equipped. Mountain Metropolitan Transit also provides other services such as Metro Rides’ ridesharing, vanpool, and bicycling programs. For added convenience, there are bike racks on all buses for riders who want to utilize the bike-n-busprogram.